The Armenian General Benevolent Union Europe congratulates the German Bundestag for today’s vote, in which it adopted a resolution dedicated to the “memory and commemoration of the genocide of the Armenians and of other Christian minorities”. In the text of the resolution (available here), the German Parliament also “laments the acts of the Young Turk government of the time, which led to the almost total annihilation of the Armenians of the Ottoman Empire”.

“The vote in the German Parliament is uniquely significant”, said Nadia Gortzounian, President of AGBU Europe. “Germany has questionned its own history as few other countries have done. Its society and establishment understand the lasting impact of past crimes if they are not exposed and remembered.” In addition to commemorating the Armenian genocide, the Bundestag’s resolution also condemns Germany’s own involvement in the event, as Turkey’s main ally during World War I.

“We must direct our gratitude in particular to one member of Parliament, Cem Özdemir”, says Sahak Artazyan, President of AGBU’s affiliate in Germany. “Cem fulfilled the promise he made to us last April 24. That a member of Turkish origin should be the one to drive this resolution through Parliament is of enormous significance for all of us in Europe.”

A number of Parliaments around the world have recognized the Armenian genocide, including the European Parliament. AGBU Europe actively works with civil society in Turkey and with political leaders around Europe to address the legacy of the genocide, which includes continued victimization of minorities in Turkey and hostility towards the neighbouring republic of Armenia.

AGBU Europe coordinates and develops the pan-European activities of the Armenian General Benevolent Union. Established in 1906, AGBU is the world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization. AGBU Europe runs numerous programmes in fields relating to academic research, the preservation and promotion of heritage, education and culture as well as awareness raising, advocacy and leadership training.